Loretta Phillips Obituary

Loretta PhillipsUncasville -- Loretta Phillips, age 93, passed away peacefully at her home in Uncasville, Saturday, April 15, 2023. Born Loretta Potter Sept. 14, 1929, at the Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London, she was raised by her mother and stepfather, Norine and Michael Gabco, on Thames Street. Although she spent time in Rutland, VT. , and Panama (her stepfather was a Navy recruiter), she returned to New London, and graduated from Chapman Technical High School in 1948. She spent many a summer's evening hanging out at "The Wall" on Pequot Avenue with her best friend, Audrey Cavanaugh, where both would meet their future husbands, Robert Phillips and Donald Lewis, Loretta's cousin. After marrying Robert and moving to Quaker Hill, they had two offspring, Robert Jr. and Colleen. Loretta went to work at the Southern New England Telephone Company in New London, where she spent many years before retiring. The Phillips family moved to Uncasville in 1968, where Loretta resided until her death. She was a voracious reader and a collector of photos and artifacts emblematic of her Irish heritage. She also enjoyed gardening and grew many flowers in her backyard. Loretta is survived by her son Robert Phillips Jr. (Kristine); her daughter Colleen Phillips-White; her brother Michael Gabco; three grandchildren, Allison Larsen, Tomas White and Carrie Veillette; six great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and her beloved pet Shih Tzu, Finnegan. Loretta was predeceased by her husband Robert Phillips Sr. ; her brother Lloyd; and her sister Norine. A ceremony celebrating her life will be held from 11:30 a. m. to 12:30 p. m. Saturday, April 29, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave. , New London, followed by a brief memorial service. Friends and family are welcomed to attend. . Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the family may be shared at www. neilanfuneralhome. com